Optical Manufacturing Technician
About The Position
The Optical Manufacturing Technician supports the development and prototyping of complex optical systems for aerospace and defense sensor systems. The role manufactures and prototypes unique optical components made from metals, plastics, and infrared crystals using diamond turning equipment, deterministic polishing equipment, CNC tools, and conventional polishing tools. Components are measured and qualified using metrology equipment, including micrometers, interferometers, computer-generated holograms, and specialized optical test setups. Working with the optical finishing engineering team, the technician helps develop processes, procedures, and setups; verifies metrology requirements for individual optical components; and supports prototyping new optical components and systems. Travel of less than 10% is expected. The position does not support immigration sponsorship.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least 3 years of experience fabricating and testing reflective and refractive optical components.
- Working knowledge of CNC machining and/or G&M code.
- Ability to use metrology equipment such as calipers, micrometers, interferometers, profilometers, and related optical metrology equipment.
- Ability to operate, program, set up, and troubleshoot CNC diamond turning machines.
- Ability to monitor process parameters and adjust speeds, feeds, tooling, and other parameters to achieve required specifications.
- Ability to use MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook to document processes.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Competent shop math and geometry skills.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering field.
- At least 5 years of experience with optical fabrication processes and optical testing.
- Experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining of non-rotationally symmetric surfaces using Nanotech or Precitech CNC diamond turning machines.
- Deep knowledge of processes used to machine refractive and reflective materials.
- Knowledge of conventional optics fabrication processes.
- Experience programming complex optical geometries with Diffsys or Nanocam.
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, SolidWorks, and other CAD/CAM software packages.
- Ability to read detailed part drawings.
- Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerances (GD&T).
Responsibilities
- Manufacture and prototype optical components from metals, plastics, and infrared crystals using diamond turning and polishing equipment and tools.
- Measure and qualify components using metrology tools and specialized optical test setups.
- Work with the optical finishing engineering team to develop processes, procedures, and setups.
- Verify metrology requirements for individual optical components.
- Support prototyping of new optical components and systems.
- Operate, program, set up, and troubleshoot CNC diamond turning machines.
- Monitor and adjust process parameters, including speeds, feeds, and tooling, to meet specifications.
- Document processes using MS Office applications.
Benefits
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives.
- 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions.
- Matching contributions to a 401(k) savings plan.
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Paid parental leave.
- Family building support.
- Fitness benefits.
- Company-paid life insurance.
- Disability benefits.
- Disease management programs.
- Paid time off.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Recognition program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
